WELSH
SOCCER NEWS PAGE FOR JULY 2007
|
JULY-31 |
|
Spaniards
leave Stebo
|
|
The
two Spanish players who featured in the Reds friendly against Hucknall Town
last Saturday have returned to Spain!!
Both
Piotrek Urban and Pedro Ballesteros, were offered the opportunity of staying
for another week and featuring in the games against Ammanford Town and Newport
County but they both decided to return home!
www.llanelliafc.org
|
|
JULY-31 |
|
Swans
win 2-0 in Holland
|
|
JOHN ALOISI
has emerged as a striker target for Swansea City as they eye potential
replacements for the departed Lee Trundle.
The Swans
have vowed to use the £1m they will receive following the Trundle sale to
Bristol City solely on squad strengthening.
But on the
evidence of last night’s woeful finishing in their lacklustre win over Dutch
amateur side SV Schipluiden, Roberto Martinez may step up his search to
replace the Scouse favourite before the season’s opener against Oldham on
August 11.
Swans boss
Martinez is believed to have lined up Australian international Aloisi as a
possible target to replace Swansea’s top scorer for the last four seasons.
Swansea
have also been linked with a move to bring in Aston Villa striker Luke Moore.
But while
the League One promotion-favourites would need to stump up the cash in their
bold bid to prise away England Under-21 speedster Moore from Villa Park, a
move for the former Portsmouth forward Aloisi is on the cards.
The
31-year-old is available on a free transfer after leaving Spanish second
division side Alaves this summer and could be tempted by a return to English
football.
The
much-travelled Aloisi, who has 27 international goals for the Socceroos,
featured at last year's World Cup and has played in Britain, Spain, Italy and
Belgium.
Whether he
is ready to add Wales to his varied CV remains the question.
icwales
|
|
JULY-31 |
|
MacLean:
I'm the man to partner Fowler
|
|
When the
Scot signed for Cardiff from Sheffield Wednesday at the end of June it seemed
he would be forming a partnership with Michael Chopra in the Bluebirds attack.
But with
Chopra gone and Fowler signed on a two-year deal, MacLean is relishing the
chance to work with someone he sees as one of the best goal-scorers in the
game.
The
24-year-old is not getting ahead of himself though and said his main priority
at the moment has to be establishing himself in City’s first team.
He said,
“I’m definitely excited about the prospect of playing up front with Robbie
and I’m looking forward to it.
“But
first and foremost I’ve got to earn the right to play, whoever it’s
with.”
MacLean
also believes working with Fowler will take his own game to the next level.
“He is a
legend and I’m only 24, so hopefully I can learn off him as well,” said
MacLean.
“I’m
looking at his finishing and his movement and I’m sure in training he will
give us pointers.
“He is a
world-class striker and he has played at the highest level, so if you can’t
learn from him you won’t learn from anybody.”
Having left
Wednesday on a free transfer, MacLean signed a three-year deal with Cardiff
and he has made an impressive start to his Bluebirds career.
His three
goals in the last three games have seen him continue the form that made him
the Owls’ joint top-scorer last season.
The new
number nine is already enjoying life at Ninian Park but knows he will have to
keep working hard if he is to figure in the Bluebirds’ opening league game
on August 11 against Stoke.
www.llanelliafc.org
|
|
JULY-31 |
|
Trundle
targets Republic call-up
|
|
New Bristol City striker Lee
Trundle has revealed he is determined to force his way into the international
reckoning with the Republic of Ireland.
The Liverpool-born forward,
who has an Irish grandfather, is set to complete his £1m move from Swansea on
Monday.
He impressed when scoring on
his City debut in a 2-2 home friendly draw with Yeovil Town on Saturday.
And afterwards, Trundle told
BBC Sport: "I'd like to play at the highest level and that includes
internationals."
The arrival of the prolific
30-year-old, who has a pop star girlfriend and dapper dress sense, has
caused a real buzz around Ashton Gate.
Trundle's path so far has some
parallels with former Republic of Ireland striker John Aldridge.
Both Liverpool-born strikers
did not turn professional until their 20s, before making a big impression at
Welsh clubs (Aldridge for Newport) and going on to rise through the divisions.
Staunton is not overloaded
with options up front as he struggles to lead the Republic to qualification
for Euro 2008 but Trundle is an interesting prospect.
"Steve Staunton knows
I'm eligible to play and looked at the level I was at, scoring goals, so I now
have to do it in the Championship," he added.
BBC
|
|
JULY-31 |
|
Jones:
I want a hard man
|
|
DAVE
Jones has ordered his scouts and contacts throughout Europe – “Find me a
hard man.”
Jones
still wants one more striker to complete his Cardiff City squad for the start
of the new season and a big, physical target man is a priority.
Derby
County’s Steve Howard would fit the bill for the Bluebirds, but the
newly-promoted Premiership club want to keep him.
City
did try to sign Howard when he was at Luton Town, but were edged out by Derby.
It’s
that style of player that City, who have already brought in seven new signings
this summer, are keen on.
Jones
has contacts and scouts working to find a target-man style of striker – in
just about every European country and in places as far afield as Africa.
City
were keen on Hull City’s 6ft 4ins powerhouse Jon Parkin, who would have
given Cardiff a different option from the substitutes bench, but the
Yorkshireman eventually signed for Stoke City because he did not want to move
from his family home in Yorkshire.
icwales
|
|
JULY-31 |
|
Kaid
awaits his Racecourse fate
|
|
WOULD-BE
Wrexham striker Kaid Mohamed impressed Dragons boss Brian Carey after scoring
twice in Saturday’s 4-1 win against Dungannon Swifts.
The
22-year-old ex-Carmarthen Town player, on trial with the Racecourse club for
the past month, should learn this week if he is to be offered a contract, but
he did his chances no harm with an impressive display of finishing at
Strangmore Park.
Mohamed,
who also scored in the friendly with Blackburn Rovers earlier this month, made
way for club captain Neil Roberts late in the game and afterwards Carey said:
“Kaid took his goals very well, particularly the first one. The second,
which was more of a team goal, was a great finish and he also had another two
or three chances.
“He
is a different sort of player from the other strikers we have and he’s got
an eye for goal, so we’ll make an assessment about him next week.
“Overall
I’m happy with the way the lads went about the game and I’ve been pleased
with the way they have behaved on the trip.
icwales
|
|
JULY-31 |
|
Fowler
fever grips Cardiff
|
|
A
FOWLER frenzy swept Ninian Park again as fans queued for hours to meet their
new hero.
Excited
fans quickly forgot the team’s dismal performance, conceding six at
Stockport on Saturday, and put severe pressure on the club’s stocks of new
shirts at a club open day yesterday.
After
selling 3,000 shirts on the first day of sale on Friday, thousands more were
sold at the ground yesterday as people queued up for an hour to get hold of
one.
After
picking up their shirts, fans were invited on a tour of the ground and a
chance to meet the players – with queues stretching the length of Ninian
Park.
Craig
Davies, 26, of Caerphilly, went down to Ninian Park with his young nephew
Lewis.
He
said: “It’s amazing to see so many people down here. Everyone wants to see
Robbie Fowler.
“I
think they will need to order some more shirts because everything is selling
out. The problem is there are so many queues to get anything, but at least
it’s a nice day.”
Season
ticket holder, David Rogers, 28, of Bedwas, also picked up a new shirt with
Fowler’s name and number on the back.
He
said: “I can’t believe how much interest there is in Cardiff City since
Fowler signed. I think the first game is going to sell-out at this rate.
“Now
we are all looking forward to seeing him get some goals on the pitch.”
Mike
Jones, 48, from Canton, Cardiff, also went down to Ninian Park. He said: “I
have seen so many people walking past my house with Robbie Fowler shirts on
that I had to come down and see what the fuss was all about. I am confident
that we can get promoted this season now.”
icwales
|
|
JULY-31 |
|
Spurs
feel the power of Wolves
|
SPURS were savaged 7-0 by
Wolves at the new stadium, but it was as pleasant a mauling as home fans
will see in a long time.
With five players boasting Championship credentials, it was always on the
cards, but Spurs competed on equal terms for twenty minutes before the
pedigree manifest itself.
However, Holyhead had a great chance to draw first blood when Mike Edwards
released Curt Williams on 18 minutes but he fired wide with just keeper
Billy Lumley to beat.
A superb move involving Matt Bailey and Jamie Clapham set up Denes Rosa on
23 minutes and the Hungarian international made no mistake.
Warren Gibbs cleared a Liam Hughes effort off the line and Liam Ewing kept
the visitors at bay with saves from Rosa, Hughes, Daniel Jones and Mark
Salmon, with a point blank stop from Jemal Johnson eclipsing the lot,
leaving the Wolves player wide mouthed in amazement.
Ewing was given no chance a minute from the break when Johnson put in a ball
to the near post and Hughes netted with a close range flick.
Wolves were full value for their interval advantage with slick movement,
pace and silky skills with the hosts left chasing shadows, but they stuck to
the task manfully.
Any hopes of a revival in home
fortunes were dashed two minutes into the second period when Rosa released
Hughes, who went around replacement keeper Mike Doutch for his second goal, and
Hughes completed a sweet hat-trick on 71 minutes when he put a free header past
Doutch from a pinpoint Jones corner.
Hughes may have been the hat-trick hero for the visitors, but it was Jones –
boasting 15 appearances for the Championship side - who caught the eye with his
pace and control, and it was fitting that he should get on the scorecard with an
awesome strike from 25 yards on 74 minutes.
In between the goals, Clapham cleared a Gwyn Owen effort off the line from a
Nigel Moore free-kick before Jones set up goal number six when Martin Riley put
away his flag kick on 76 minutes and even when Jones was subbed, David Ijaha
headed a Clapham cross home to complete the scoring five minutes from time.
icwales
|
|
JULY-30 |
|
English
FA's Cardiff Euro ban
|
|
CARDIFF
CITY were last night told they cannot qualify for Europe via The Premiership.
English
Premier League chief Sir David Richards has shocked City fans by saying The FA
would not award The Bluebirds one of their prized Champions League or UEFA Cup
spots – even if Cardiff were among the Premiership high fliers in a few
years time.
He
told Wales on Sunday: “The English FA can’t do anything about the matter
because the three Welsh clubs are affiliated members to The FA.
“It
is up to Cardiff, Swansea and Wrexham to pursue it with the Welsh FA. That
should be the Welsh FA’s vision.”
But
last night a UEFA spokesman shot down Richards’ argument. He said that clubs
WERE allowed to be nominated by their host country, even if they didn’t play
within its boundaries.
Should
one of the Welsh clubs qualify for Europe via the English system, Richards
believes the FA of Wales will have to lobby UEFA to allow the league an extra
‘special’ European place for the ‘guest’ Welsh club.
FA
of Wales chief David Collins has requested urgent top-level talks with new
UEFA president Michel Platini in Finland in September in a bid to sort out
“one of European football’s biggest challenges”.
Secretary
general Collins and FAW president Peter Rees hope to put pressure on Platini
to allow the six Welsh clubs who play outside their national league and in the
English pyramid to be readmitted to the FAW-run Welsh Cup – another route
into Europe.
He
said: “I think Cardiff, Swansea, Wrexham, Newport County, Merthyr Tydfil and
Colwyn Bay are the only six clubs in Europe that currently have no chance of
playing in a UEFA club competition and we think that is grossly unfair.
“The
FA would never nominate a non-English club to represent them in any UEFA Cup
competition so myself and our president hope to meet with the new president of
UEFA to discuss how to move forward in the middle of September.
icwales
|
|
JULY-30 |
|
Welsh
Premier League may yet bask in sun
|
|
THE Welsh
Premier League will bask in sun – if club chiefs want a summer season,
writes PETER SHUTTLEWORTH.
League
chief John Deakin last night insisted The Football Association of Wales are
ready to switch Welsh football’s top flight to summer in a bid to make their
top clubs successful in Europe.
Welsh clubs
have blamed their poor showing in Europe on coming up against Eastern bloc and
Scandinavian opponents who are fitter and sharper after summer campaigns.
Only
Llanelli and Connah’s Quay Nomads voted in favour of the switch 18 months
ago, but League secretary Deakin confirmed the FAW would go ahead with the
change if the clubs changed their minds.
Deakin
said: “Mention any kind of change in the Welsh Premier and there’s rioting
in the streets of Rhyl.
“But
I’m an administrator, I can only make suggestions. My role is simply to
implement what the clubs request me to do. If a majority of clubs want summer
football, we’ll make it happen.
“What
annoys me is that the Welsh clubs had a vote to switch to a summer season 18
months ago and it was overwhelmingly rejected 16 votes to two.
“Yet,
whenever a Welsh club gets knocked out of Europe, which is frequent, they use
the excuse that their opposition have the upper hand by playing summer
football.
“If the
people at Welsh football’s sharp end want summer football, then it’s worth
giving it a go.
“If
summer football doesn’t work, we can always go back to playing during the
winter.
“Welsh
Premier clubs shouldn’t accept that they’ll fall at the first hurdle in
Europe – we must prove we are better than that.
“Summer
football should help our teams over that first hurdle and possibly face one of
Europe’s big boys.”
icwales
|
|
JULY-30 |
|
New
Saints sail to victory at Laird
|
|
WELSH
Premier League champions The New Saints shook off the disappointment of their
champions League exit with a 2-0 win at Cammell Laird yesterday.
The Unibond
League Division One hosts battled well but could not contain the Welsh
full-timers.
Striker
Alfie Carter struck in the sixth minute as he pounced on a loose pass by Lee
Appleton.
Triallist
Luke Holden sealed the result 10 minutes into the second-half when Croudson
could not hold a Carter shot and picked up the rebound.
MacWhirter
Welsh League champions Neath Athletic suffered a set-back as they prepare for
life in the Welsh Premier League when they were beaten 2-1 by former Division
One rivals Dinas Powys.
icwales
|
|
JULY-30 |
|
Monk
blow leaves Swans reeling
|
|
SWANSEA
CITY began life after Lee Trundle yesterday – but it was the fitness of key
defender Garry Monk who was the name on the lips of the small band of
travelling supporters.
Club
captain Monk is expected to be out for a month after hoblbing off with an
ankle midway through the first-half of their defeat to Stormvogels Telstar in
their opening tour game of Holland.
Monk left
the ground on crutches and was immediately sent for an X-ray at a local
hospital to determine the extent of the damage.
The
centre-half was injured on an artificial surface in the Hague and his absence
is the last thing Roberto Martinez wanted having just seen his preparations
for the new season ruined by the departure of star striker Trundle.
But there
was obvious concern for Monk, who missed all of last season with a serious
knee injury and now faces playing catch-up again with the new season set to
start in under a fortnight.
icwales
|
|
JULY-30 |
|
Rhyl:
‘We’ll finish the Finnish’
|
|
RHYL’S
Euro-wise manager John Hulse is keeping Finnish opponents FC Haka guessing
over his line-up for next Thursday’s decisive return leg in the first
qualifying round of the Uefa Cup in Valkeakoski.
Sitting on
a stunning 3-1 lead after coming from behind to floor the nine-times Finnish
champions in front of an ecstatic Belle Vue crowd of just under 1,800 last
Thursday week, Hulse has no intention of enlightening the opposition on what
they can expect.
“It was
one of the greatest nights in the club’s history and I believe we could be
in for another one,” hinted the shrewd Birkenhead-based boss who is in his
fourth European adventure since taking charge of the ambitious Lilywhites.
A detailed
briefing on FC Haka in advance – from a former Deeside well-wisher now based
in Finland – was a helpful aid to the Rhyl chief in his pre-match
preparations.
“We know
this is only the half-way stage but I truly believe from what we already know
that we can score out there and that would mean they would need to beat us
4-1,” he pointed out ahead of Tuesday’s flight to Finland for the crucial
away leg of the tie.
icwales
|
|
JULY-30 |
|
Jones
blasts defence after horror show
|
|
CARDIFF
CITY manager Dave Jones blamed his defenders for the Bluebirds’ Edgeley Park
horror show, claiming, “They didn’t do their jobs.”
Jones
pointed the finger after City folded against his old club Stockport County,
the League Two outfit chalking up an incredible 6-4 win.
Individual
errors, communication breakdowns and lapses of concentration were all on show
and the comedy of errors was capped by own goals from Gavin Rae and skipper
Darren Purse.
“If you
are going to make mistakes this is probably the best time to make them – and
we certainly made some mistakes at the back,” he said.
“We’ve
been working hard defensively as a team, but we have probably made more
mistakes in one game than we did for long spells of last year.
“As a
unit at the back they can’t hide from the fact they didn’t do their jobs.
That’s what we’ll be looking at and working on in the next couple of
weeks.”
Cardiff
actually led 2-0 through summer signings Rae and Steve MacLean, but then
conceded four times in an incredible 11-minute spell before half-time.
“We
didn’t look solid at the back, but, until the own goal went in, they looked
comfortable,” said Jones.
icwales
|
|
JULY-30 |
|
Double
swoop by Newtown
|
|
Darren
Ryan, manager of Principality Welsh Premier club Newtown, is hoping to
complete his squad ahead of the new season by signing experienced midfielder
Colin Loss and goalkeeper Ian Havard.
A trainee at Norwich City with former Haverfordwest County team-mate Deryn
Brace, Loss also spent time at Derby County, Gresley Rovers, Bristol City and
Merthyr Tydfil before entering the Welsh Premier with Barry Town, where he won
championship medals.
He has latterly been with Carmarthen Town and Merthyr and has 183 league
starts to his credit.
Havard, 19, is a former Shrewsbury Town trainee who was virtually ever-present
for Bangor City last season after arriving at Farrar Road towards the end of
the 2005/6 campaign.
Ryan was thwarted in his attempts to sign Karl Lewis from Hereford United,
when the former West Bromwich Albion youth and Aberystwyth Town stopper opted
instead to sign a three-year deal with Southern Premier side Bromsgrove
Rovers.
Former Robin Andy Hughes was also a target, but the Welsh under-19 cap is set
to return to Airbus.
icwales
|
|
JULY-29 |
|
John
Hartson for Swansea?
|
|
The Swans say that the
Trundle money will be made available for squad strengthening with rumours that
the club could move for West Brom's John Hartson, a Swansea fan who has always
expressed his desire to end his career at the club.
"Swansea is a really good
club right now, there's lots of money there and I'm sure that the Trundle cash
will be made available to Martinez to strengthen the squad," said Curtis
"Somebody is going to have to
step in to Lee's boots and the speculation that keeps coming up is Hartson.
"I don't know what his situation
is at West Brom, but I'm sure he's somebody who could score goals at this
level and it may be a route that the club wants to pursue."
Chairman Jenkins did not rule
out a move for the Wales international, but said that the decision was down to
Martinez.
"Signing Hartson would
placate the fans, but you'd have to ask Roberto if it would fit the style of
play he wants, Roberto's the man to make that call," said Jenkins.
Hartson seems unlikely to be
Martinez's choice, with Aston Villa's England Under-21 international striker
Luke Moore a more probable target.
Hibernian defender Rob Jones
is also thought to be on Swansea's wish list, but the club have insisted that
they will not panic buy.
BBC
|
|
JULY-29 |
|
Turnbull unfazed by leaky
Cardiff
|
|
New Cardiff goalkeeper Ross
Turnbull says he was undaunted after watching their woeful defending from the
stands in the 6-4 friendly loss at Stockport.
"It was only a friendly, we'll
look to pick up before the season starts," said Turnbull, who completed a
12-month loan switch from Middlesbrough on Friday.
"I've been looking for regular
football and Cardiff is a massive club. I wanted to come as soon as there was
interest."
Turnbull says that Cardiff
was recommended to him by ex-Bluebirds striker Michael Chopra.
"I'm friends with Michael and
he told me great things about Cardiff," Turnbull told BBC Sport Wales.
"The Robbie Fowler signing
has just added to the excitement here, of course I'm looking forward to
playing with him.
"I'm still a young player
with a lot to learn, but Middlesbrough rate me highly.
"I command the area, play it
out from the back, and - of course - like to keep clean sheets!"
The latter statement will be
good news to the Bluebirds after the Stockport horror show.
BBC
|
|
JULY-29 |
|
Trundle
scores on Bristol debut
|
|
Lee Trundle helped inspire Bristol
City to fight back for a 2-2 draw in his debut game, a friendly with Yeovil.
The Robins went 2-0 down before
the striker got his first goal for his new club and helped make a late
equaliser.
Trundle was given permission to
play at Ashton Gate by Swansea and the Football Association of Wales, although
his move from the Swans is not yet complete.
Trundle, 30, has agreed
personal terms with the Robins and is expected to complete a £1m transfer on
Monday.
"As a forward it was great
to get a goal on my debut, that's what it's all about and working on my fitness
ahead of the start of the season," said Trundle, under Swansea contract to
2009.
BBC
|
|
JULY-29 |
|
Cardiff
lose out in 10 goal thriller
|
|
Quality passing,
superb finishing and awful defending were the features of a thrilling Edgeley
Park friendly.
Gavin Rae and Trevor Sinclair
gave Cardiff an early lead, but Stockport hit back with four swift goals.
Rae and Darren Purse scored own
goals, before Jason Taylor and David Poole hit stunning volleys, though Steve
MacLean brought it back to 4-3 at the break.
Liam Dickenson and Anthony
Pilkington made the game safe, before a late Peter Whittingham consolation goal.
Cardiff's big summer signing
Robbie Fowler watched from the stands but played no part in the game.
Fowler is expected to make his
Bluebirds debut in a friendly against FC Twente at Ninian Park next Saturday.
BBC
|
|
JULY-29 |
|
Mohamed
too swift for Swifts
|
|
Trialist Kaid Mohamed stole the
show as Wrexham won the second game of their tour at Dungannon's Strangmore
Park.
The ex-Carmarthen Town
striker's clever movement caused trouble from the start and he gave Wrexham the
lead with an unstoppable 20-yarder before the break.
Mark Williams drove in a fierce
strike, 22-year-old Mohamed added a glancing header, and Williams tapped in as
the Welsh side ran riot after the break.
Shane McCabe got a late
consolation strike for the Swifts.
BBC
|
|
JULY-29 |
|
How
to spend the £1M to replace Trundle
|
How the Spaniard uses the Trundle
cash now looks crucial, with many supporters hoping to see a new striker as well
as a high-class central defender - Hibernian's Rob Jones has been mentioned as a
possible target - arrive before the trip to Oldham in a fortnight's time.
''It's comforting for us to know that Roberto will go out and find one or two
players to keep the club going forward,'' Jenkins added.
''He is fully aware that all the money we take in is available to him for
strengthening, and I know he has four or five players in mind for one or two
positions. We will see how things develop before the friendly against Levante
next Sunday.''
Martinez is likely to field at least two trialists in Holland this week. Swansea
play their first game against Dutch first division side Stormvogels Telstar
tomorrow.
''We are playing against sides from different levels, but every game will be
hard for different reasons,'' said the Swansea boss.
Darryl Duffy (back) and Jason Scotland (calf) will not play before Wednesday's
game against Sparta Rotterdam, leaving Martinez with a chronic shortage of
strikers.
Trialists Jamie Price and Ibrahima Thaim have not been offered contracts. Former
Swan Tommy Williams, meanwhile, has joined Wycombe on a two-year deal.
Evening Post
|
|
JULY-28 |
|
Trundle:
My heartache at leaving Swansea
|
|
LEE
Trundle today spoke for the first time about quitting Swansea City and admitted:
"I had to make the decision with my head not my heart."
In
an exclusive interview with the Evening Post, the Scouser star revealed how he
agonised over whether to leave after Bristol City weighed in with a bumper £1million
bid for his services. And
Trundle explained that for all his feeling for Swansea, he had to turn his back
on the club in order to grasp what could be his final chance to play
Championship football.
"I want the Swansea fans to know how hard it was for me make to this
decision," Trundle said.
"When I was at Wrexham, I just saw it as a club to play for. But Swansea
was different.
"I moved to the city and was surrounded by people who loved the club. That
made me feel more part of Swansea and playing for the club really pulled at my
heart strings.
"I agonised over whether to leave that behind - it wasn't a case of Bristol
City coming in and me saying yes.
"I spoke to a lot of people - my family, my friends, my team-mates - and I
had to distance myself from my heart and think 'Is this going to help my
career?'
"In the end I decided I had to go because I didn't want to take the risk of
not getting another opportunity to play in the Championship, which is somewhere
I want to prove myself.
"I didn't want to get there aged 33 or 34 and not be the same player I am
now. I wanted to go there when I'm fit and strong and show the people who have
doubted me that I can score goals at that level."
Trundle deliberately contacted the Post because he wanted to explain his
decision to end his stay in South Wales to Swansea's supporters.
And he hopes the thousands who roared him on throughout four spectacular years
will not turn against him now.
"I know some of the fans will be upset and I will probably get people who
knock me and get on my back for going," Trundle added.
"But I just hope the true fans realise they were a massive factor when I
was deciding whether to go and I hope they remember all the good things. I think
I did a lot for the club, and I realise too that the club did a lot for me.
"I hope if I ever do come back to play against Swansea they won't boo me,
because that would break my heart."
Exclusive
by Gareth Vincent
|
|
JULY-28 |
|
Rhyl
boss ready for talks with duo
|
|
RHYL manager
John Hulse is set to speak to New Zealand striker Michael White and Italian
midfielder Gianluca Graziolo about their futures.
The duo again
impressed in the 2-1 win at Ashville in Cheshire in midweek, although neither is
eligible for the second leg of the Uefa Cup first qualifying round against FC
Haka in Finland on Thursday.
White, 20,
fired a hat-trick on his debut in the 7-0 demolition of Sutton Common to
instantly win over the Rhyl fans, a game in which Graziolo also scored.
Both again
looked the part against Ashville with White blasting home a Matty Holt throw-in
with a spectacular scissor-kick before Danny Desmoreaux netted Rhyl’s winner
with 10 minutes to go.
“They both
did well and I will be talking to them,” Hulse said. “I am looking at a few
players.”
icwales
|
|
JULY-28 |
|
Hotspur
face top Wolves aces
|
|
HUNGARIAN
midfielder Denes Rosa, who has played for his country 10 times, will be among a
dozen top pros appearing for Wolverhampton Wanderers at Holyhead Hotspur today.
The
pre-season friendly attraction will mark the reopening of the Cymru Alliance
club’s New Stadium base, which has been revamped at a cost of £183,000.
Wolves, whose
academy director Chris Evans was previously in charge of Anglesey Borough
Council’s football development scheme, will field a strong line-up.
Their squad
will also include Mark Little, Jamie Clapham, Jermaine Johnson, Daniel Jones and
Martin Riley.
But
20-year-old Beaumaris-born Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey will not be risked
by manager Mick McCarthy, although his family will attend the game.
Wolves,
Sunderland, Wrexham and Rochdale have played at the stadium and Wales took on
Northern Ireland in an under-17s international there.
The stadium
fell into disrepair but now has a new pitch and a refurbished 500-seater stands.
icwales
|
|
JULY-28 |
|
Trundle
given friendly green light
|
|
BRISTOL
CITY have been granted permission to field Lee Trundle in a friendly
against Yeovil this afternoon.
The
30-year-old striker will officially complete his transfer – thought to be
worth around £1million – from Swansea on Monday.
Trundle
scored 19 goals in 30 Coca-Cola League One appearances for the Swans last season
and is now set to play a key role as City look to consolidate their promotion to
the Championship.
Swansea
chairman Huw Jenkins told the club’s official website,
“It’s a very sad day for the club because we tried everything possible to
keep Lee.
“We
spoke about a wage increase amongst other incentives, but the one thing we
couldn’t guarantee him this season was Championship football.”
icwales
|
|
JULY-28 |
|
Robbie
shirt mania hits Bluebirds
|
|
CARDIFF
City chairman Peter Ridsdale today hailed the Robbie Fowler effect as record
numbers of Bluebirds shirts flew off the shelves.
Close
on 3,000 Fowler number eight jerseys were snapped up within hours of them going
on sale yesterday.
And
all the profits go to club coffers, with Fowler not cut in on any image rights
deal.
“Fowler
has caught the imagination of the people,” said Ridsdale.
“He
has benefited the club because there are no image rights or anything else, the
profit will come directly to the club to be used elsewhere.
“And
to be fair to Robbie he was happy with that.
“He
is on a basic wage, and an appearance and promotion bonus like every other
player at the club.”
The
Fowler feel-good factor has also shown itself in season ticket sales.
More
than 100 went out yesterday as the July 31 deadline for discounted tickets
approaches.
City
play Stockport County today, but manager Dave Jones is saving Fowler for his
home debut next Saturday against Dutch outfit FC Twente, a game which is sure to
attract a huge pre-season crowd.
icwales
|
|
JULY-28 |
|
Swans
recall striker from Accies
|
|
Swansea City have recalled striker
Chris Jones, who had been training with Hamilton Academical with a view to a
season-long loan in Scotland.
The 17-year-old, currently on
international duty with the Welsh Under-19 squad, is now wanted by the Swans for
their first-team squad.
Jones made his Swansea debut
against Walsall in the Carling Cup last season.
Meanwhile, Accies have released
Nathan Taylor, a 17-year-old striker who broke into the first-team last term.
BBC
|
|
JULY-28 |
|
Irish
trip has helps Wrexham morale
|
|
CAPTAIN
Neil Roberts has hailed Wrexham’s week-long stay in Northern Ireland a success
and believes the benefits will become apparent during the season ahead.
The
29-year-old striker, who scored one of his side’s goals in Wednesday
evening’s 2-1 win over Cliftonville, claimed morale in the camp was high and
that the objectives of the trip had been achieved.
“I
think it’s been a really good week for everyone,” he said. “We’ve
trained hard as a group and we’ve played hard, in the right sense of the word.
“Andy
O’Boyle (fitness coach) is very pleased with the physical test results that
have just come back, which show that all the lads are where he hoped they would
be in terms of fitness, so that’s another positive.
“The
lads who have just joined the club have settled in well and this week has given
them the opportunity to get to know everyone better, which is another plus and
you could see when we went paint-balling in the week how much bonding has gone
on.”
icwales
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Welsh
Premier joins Euro family
|
|
The Welsh Premier League has been
made a full member of the Association of European Professional Football Leagues
(EPLF) at a meeting in Cardiff.
The move means that the league
is likely to have a bigger say in European football issues in future.
"I'm delighted to be part
of the European family," Welsh Premier Secretary John Deakin told BBC
Sport.
"It's interesting to see
what other leagues are doing and what we can learn from them, it will benefit us
greatly."
The Welsh Premier League has
been in existence for 15 years, and Deakin says that it now has the
opportunity to make more of an impact.
"The EPLF is intent on
making sure that the voices of smaller leagues are heard," he said.
BBC
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Another
Spaniard arrives at Stebo
|
|
Another Spanish trialist has
arrived in the Reds camp! 19 year old, Pedro Ballesteros, is in Llanelli for the
week end in an attempt to gain a contract.
Pedro has been brought up through the
Real Madrid junior system and in the last three years he has been associated
with youth football at Athletico Madrid,Getafe and Villarosa.
He is a left sided player ,who
impressed Manager,Peter Nicholas,in his first training session on Thursday
although Peter insisted, " That the player needed to be seen in a proper
match!"
Llanelli
official website
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Another
Spaniard arrives at Stebo
|
|
Another Spanish trialist has
arrived in the Reds camp! 19 year old, Pedro Ballesteros, is in Llanelli for the
week end in an attempt to gain a contract.
Pedro has been brought up through the
Real Madrid junior system and in the last three years he has been associated
with youth football at Athletico Madrid,Getafe and Villarosa.
He is a left sided player ,who
impressed Manager,Peter Nicholas,in his first training session on Thursday
although Peter insisted, " That the player needed to be seen in a proper
match!"
Llanelli
official website
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Trundle
hands in transfer request
|
|
Bristol City target Lee Trundle
has handed in a transfer request to Swansea.
Speculation grew when the
striker, 30, was left out of Swansea's 1-1 friendly draw at Port Talbot on
Wednesday.
The Swans rejected a move for
Trundle from new Championship side the Robins last week, and turned down a £750,000
bid from Sheffield Wednesday in 2005.
But it is believed that the
Ashton Gate side have returned with an acceptable offer thought to be close to
£1m.
Swansea City manager Roberto
Martinez said on Wednesday that he knew nothing of the rumours and that he was
keen to keep the club's top scorer of the last four seasons.
"I'll never try to sell
Lee," Martinez told BBC Sport Wales after the Remax Stadium draw.
"I've told him many times
how important he is to Swansea City, the club is not going to try to sell him.
BBC
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Maesteg
put on a brave face
|
|
ALTHOUGH
the threat of closure still hangs over them, Maesteg Park Football Club have
commenced pre-season training.
Steve
Boydell has agreed to organise the sessions on a voluntary basis, and the
response from players will give an indication of whether there is any chance of
the club surviving.
Maesteg
are training at Tudor Park on Monday and Wednesday evenings (6.30pm), and new
players are invited to participate.
The
Old Parish side have just a month to turn things around otherwise they will
close, bringing to an end a 62-year history.
It
would also signal the end of Welsh League grade football in the Llynfi Valley.
icwales
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Legg
says "Reds can be Premier Champs"
|
|
Llanelli
have been backed to lift the Welsh Premier League title for the first time this
season - by ex-Reds star Andy Legg. The former Welsh international believes
Peter Nicholas's side can achieve the club's greatest feat should they
strengthen the squad with a few acquisitions.
Legg, whose has had two stints at Llanelli, admits his first-hand knowledge of
the club has given him the belief that the Reds will become champions come
April.
Ex-Swansea, Cardiff, Reading and Birmingham midfielder Legg featured in the Uefa
Cup matches with Odense last season and also played six domestic matches for the
Reds before switching to Hucknall Town.
He then made a special return to duty when he appeared in the
Intertoto Cup second leg victory over Vetra Vilnius.
And from his experiences with the squad, Legg says he would not be surprised to
see them lifting the title at the end of the season.
"I think they can do it," he said. "I have been involved in that
group and there is no reason why they shouldn't be the ones lifting the title.
"They have a talented group of players and I think, with a few more faces
and some added experience, they will do it.
"Everything else is in order at the club. They deserve to win it,
especially for the people running the club.
"They look after the players and everyone else so well and the facilities
are great.
"I think the squad does lack some experience as, for example, when I was
there we made sure they had someone constantly talking to them.
"Paul Wanless has come in now so that should help a lot.
"I think they will need to bring in some new faces before the start of the
season as they are a bit light of options outside of the first-team squad.
"Peter (Nicholas) will get that sorted though before the league starts and
that will mean they will be right up there."
Evening
Post
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Delaney
keen on Ninian return
|
|
FORMER
Cardiff City favourite Mark Delaney would relish a move back to Ninian Park, it
has emerged.
Reports
emanating from the Midlands have linked the Aston Villa defender with a shock
move back to the Bluebirds.
The Wales
international is currently in Canada with Villa on a pre-season tour and is back
in training after recovering from a knee injury.
The Western
Mail understands Cardiff manager Dave Jones has made tentative enquiries about
whether the 31-year-old would be interested in a move back to Ninian Park.
Delaney was
recently handed a three-month extension to his contract at Villa Park as manager
Martin O’Neill gives him time to prove his fitness.
Delaney is
set for talks about his future with O’Neill when the Villa squad returns to
Britain on Monday.
But a source
close to the player said if the future was away from Villa Park, then Cardiff
would be Delaney’s preferred option.
icwales
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Wrexham
break even in first 12 months
|
|
FROM
a club on the brink, to a club breaking even. Whatever people may think about
the new regime at the Racecourse, that little fact is still mighty impressive.
In
fact, Wrexham even spent £100,000 on loan signings last season as they battled
against relegation from the Football League, but the club still managed to break
even for the year.
Just
12 months after bringing the Racecourse club out of administration, directors
Neville Dickens, Geoff Moss and Anthony Fairclough this week issued a frank
assessment of progress since the takeover last summer.
And
while admitting there was still some way to go before achieving all their
objectives, they said they were optimistic that the club was now heading in the
right direction, both on and off the field of play.
“If
we are to take the club forward we have got to build the infrastructure and put
the business on solid foundations, something that has been sadly neglected over
many years,” said Moss.
“On
taking over we found many more problems than we had anticipated and so it has
been harder than we thought, but our aim is long-term financial stability.
“Bearing
in mind we took the club over at the very last minute in terms of last season,
we were prepared to accept we would have a trading loss for the year, but we are
now looking at a break-even scenario.
icwales
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Shock
win for TNS's Harris
|
|
OUTSPOKEN TNS
chairman Mike Harris has won a shock place on the FAW’s ruling council.
Harris
received the news as his team arrived back in Britain from Latvia after
agonisingly going out of the Champions League to FK Ventspils on away goals.
The dynamic,
go-ahead boss of the Welsh champions comfortably ousted Alun Evans in the battle
for the one Welsh Premier seat available on the FAW.
Evans, the
former FAW secretary, was expected to easily retain his seat.
But he was
beaten by a 10-5 vote, with the remaining clubs abstaining.
Harris has
strong views on how Welsh football should be run and in the past has launched
no-holds-barred blasts at FAW chief David Collins.
The working
rapport between the two men over the next three years should be interesting and
many in Welsh football would like to be a fly on the wall during the
discussions.
Evans was
said to be disconsolate at losing his place on the FAW.
Even though
Evans would not have taken his place for granted, many people within the Welsh
Premier presumed he was a shoe-in to be voted back on.
But clearly
the vision and energy Harris has shown in recent times had an impact when it
came to voting.
On hearing
the news of his election, Harris said, “I am obviously delighted clubs within
the league have shown confidence in me.”
icwales
|
|
JULY-27 |
|
Major
new sponsorship deal for Wrexham
|
|
THE
Mold Road stand at Wrexham’s Racecourse home will be named the Marstons Stand
next season as part of a major sponsorship deal being negotiated with the
Midlands drinks giant.
Club
chairman Neville Dickens revealed the five-year deal would be worth “a
six-figure sum”, with the brewery’s beers and spirits being sold throughout
the stadium.
Speaking
during his brief visit to Northern Ireland to watch the Dragons beat
Cliftonville 2-1 on Wednesday evening, Dickens claimed the deal was excellent
news both for Wrexham and the brewery.
“It
will be a great partnership and is a vital element in our plans to take the club
forward,” he said.
“We
have been working hard for 12 months to secure this sponsorship.
“The
deal has been agreed in principle by the company’s local directors and is
subject to full board approval, which should be a formality.”
icwales
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Martinez
plays it cool on Trundle
|
|
Roberto
Martinez did his best to bat away questions about Lee Trundle after the Scouse
star missed last night's 1-1 draw at Port Talbot.
Trundle's absence sparked rumours that the 30-year-old is on his way to Bristol
City in a deal worth at least £1million.
But Martinez insisted the striker sat out because of groin injury and reiterated
that Swansea do not want him to leave.
"Lee played 80 minutes on Tuesday and felt his groin was a
bit tight in training this morning," Martinez said last night.
"There have been lots of rumours about him leaving and much speculation. I
can't comment on that situation.
"What I know is that we do not want to sell Lee Trundle. We want him to
stay and I expect him to travel with us to Holland (tomorrow). His name is on
the room list."
Martinez played down suggestions that Trundle's future is in his hands in the
wake of the Robins' bumper bid.
But he did concede: "We know the club is not going to sell him, but if
Trunds wants to go that's a different situation.
"You are asking me questions about a hypothetical situation. You'll have to
ask Lee if he wants to stay."
Trundle has so far refused to comment on the Bristol City link, further fuelling
speculation that he is tempted by the lure of Championship football.
Evening
Post
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Bluebirds
swoop for Boro keeper
|
|
Cardiff City are taking goalkeeper
Ross Turnbull on a season's long loan from Premiership side Middlesbrough.
The 22-year-old, 6ft 4ins
stopper has made two Premiership appearances and has also had loan spells at
Darlington, Barnsley, Bradford and Crewe.
He is the second keeper to join
the Bluebirds this summer, following the acquisition of the ex-Wolves player
Michael Oakes.
Irishman David Forde finished
last season as number one.
Ross,
from Newton Aycliffe, was an England youth international, and has been with
Middlesborough since he was a schoolboy.
BBC
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
McKenna
rueful after Saints' exit
|
|
The New Saints manager Ken McKenna
renewed the call for summer football after his side's Champions League exit.
"It's the same as last
year," he said after a 2-1 loss at FK Venstpils saw them draw the two-leg
first qualifying round 4-4 but go out on away goals.
"We did really well in the
first leg and struggled in the second. It's disappointing, but it's our
pre-season.
"I'm 100% certain that if
the roles were reversed we would have won these games comfortably."
McKenna had no complaints about
the result in Latvia on the night.
"The best team won the
game, I just wish my lads believed in themselves more," he told BBC Sport
Wales.
"We could have scored six
against them at home and have taken a comfortable lead into the second leg.
"But it was another big
game, and we gained more experience in a hostile atmosphere."
Barry Town remain the only team
from the Welsh Premier to have reached the second qualifying stage of Europe's
premier club competition.
Then-manager Peter Nicholas
took Barry to victory over FC Shamkir in the first round in 2001.
BBC
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Ridsdale
denied FAW council seat
|
|
Cardiff City chairman Peter
Ridsdale has failed in his bid to gain a seat on the Football Association of
Wales.
Ridsdale stood in the south
Wales area elections and polled 14 votes, but the sitting members were all
returned by the clubs.
"I don't think anyone will
be surprised but I thought it was right to show Cardiff were still playing
football in Wales," Ridsdale told BBC Sport Wales.
"The rejection will give
me more time to concentrate on my work at Cardiff."
The New Saints' managing
director Mike Harris has won the one Welsh Premier seat available on the FAW.
He polled 10 votes against
sitting-member Alun Evans' five.
BBC
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Trundle
the £1m man
|
|
Lee
Trundle was last night considering quitting Swansea City after Bristol City
weighed in with a bumper £1million offer for the striker. The Scouser star
missed last night's friendly at Port Talbot after the Robins spelled out their
desire to secure his signature.
The Championship new boys' first bid for Trundle, which would have seen them pay
just £300,000 up front, was dismissed out of hand by Swansea's money men.
But their latest offer, which is thought to be their fourth or fifth, will see a
guaranteed £1million - and possibly even more - heading for Swansea's coffers,
although it will not be paid in one lump sum.
Swansea have not officially accepted the bid, and they will be
loath to see their talisman depart just weeks before the new League One season
starts.
But because of the amount of money involved, Swansea bosses informed Trundle
yesterday and he is now deciding whether to end a spectacularly successful
four-year stint in South Wales.
Trundle, who turns 31 in October, has made no secret of his desire to play in
the Championship.
He turned down the chance to do so when Sheffield Wednesday bid £750,000 for
his services two years ago, but realises now that this may be his last chance.
Losing Trundle, who has scored 86 goals in 156 starts since joining Swansea on a
free from Wrexham in 2003, would be a devastating blow to Roberto Martinez.
For all his summer rebuilding work - which has included the signing of three new
strikers - the Spaniard still considers Trundle the central figure in his team.
But whatever Martinez thinks - and despite the fact that Trundle has two years
to run on his contract - Swansea will be almost powerless to stop him if Trundle
decides he wants a move to Ashton Gate.
Swansea's current owners have always said they will not sign or keep a player
who does not want to be at the club.
icWales
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Brace
says We'll show the real us"
|
|
Carmarthen
Town boss Deryn Brace is determined not to head to Norway next week "just
to make up the numbers".
The Richmond Park side are all but out of the Uefa Cup following their 8-0 home
drubbing at hands of Norwegian league leaders SK Brann.
And now the new Old Gold supremo's first major task since taking over the reins
from Mark Jones is to try to lift his players to ensure they do not receive a
hammering like they did last Thursday night." Everyone
was hurting after the game so there was no need for me to go throwing tea-cups
about," Brace said.
"The lads will want to go out there and put in a performance and show the
real us.
"They won't want to go out there and be an embarrassment."
Brace was indebted to the heroics of keeper Neil Thomas despite the 8-0
scoreline.
If it had not been for the Town stopper, Brann could have headed back to
Scandinavia having hit double figures.
"Neil Thomas is a fantastic goalkeeper," said Brace.
"He puts in that kind of performance week in, week out - obviously not as
frequently as he did in this game."
While Brann showed a ruthless streak in hammering home eight goals, the former
Wrexham and Norwich man felt it was not only the Norwegian outfit that led to
Carmarthen's undoing.
"We were as bad as they were good," Brace said.
"In the first half they had eight attacks, led 5-0 and missed three
sitters.
"Out of the eight goals we have given them four. Whatever level you play at
you don't won't lose 8-0 and you shouldn't lose 8-0."
However, Carmarthen will travel to Norway knowing that a successive European
campaign is at an end.
Carmarthen
Journal
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Lay
off our Quay man says Hackett
|
|
SEVERELY
depleted Connah's Quay Nomads have rejected a bid by Bangor City to include
central defender Chris Williams in the Deeside exodus.
New City
manager Neville Powell, who left Nomads after 14 seasons in charge this summer
to return to his old club at Farrar Road, has already acquired the cream of his
old squad ready for the upcoming league campaign.
Now Nomads
have received a formal approach for powerful Williams, 22, but have told Bangor
they are not letting go of their prized asset.
Nomads new
boss Jim Hackett said: "Chris is a big, strong lad who is contracted to us,
and while we would never stand in his way we are certainly not prepared to just
tear up his contract.
"He can
play anywhere at the back, and as pretty much everyone else has left Nomads we
are in no position at this late stage to lose him too."
Gary Pinch
has remained loyal to the Deesiders, while young striker Adam Dickinson is
currently in Australia hoping to persuade Sydney FC to take him on.
Dickinson was
watched by Stockport County, Wrexham, Swansea and even Royal Antwerp in trials
last season but is still awaiting his chance to break into the big time.
"If
nothing comes of the Sydney interest then he could be back with us for the new
season, but otherwise I've had to virtually start from scratch," said
Hackett, who has been looking at available players at both Congleton and Heswall.
Hackett has
already signed strikers John McAllister, from Congleton, and Mark Cadwallader,
who ironically was previously with Bangor City.
Both are
expected to feature in Nomads’ friendly against Chester tonight and at new
Cymru Alliance club Denbigh Town on Saturday.
icWales
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Bluebirds
fly into Cynon Valley
|
|
A
CHARITY football match will see the Bluebirds visit the Cynon Valley.
Cardiff
City have agreed to play Aberaman Legion in a pre-season friendly on Sunday,
August 22, to raise money for the Poppy Appeal.
The
two teams will include some well-known household names.
Prolific
Bluebirds striker Simon Stokes will also take to the pitch in the second half.
“The
game has been a long time in the offing but finally we have agreed a date,”
said Aberaman Legion manager Dilwyn Pritchard.
“This
is a great coup for the club, the Aberdare Valley Football League and the Cynon
Valley.
“And
hopefully we will raise a lot of money for a very worthwhile cause.”
Entrance
to the game will be £1, with all funds going to the Poppy Appeal.
The
match is being sponsored by Aberaman-based Heatwise.
*
For further details visit the club’s website
icWales
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Wrexham
win against Cliftonville
|
|
Wrexham staged a second-half
fightback to win the first game of their pre-season tour to Northern Ireland.
Francis Murphy gave
Cliftonville the lead before the break, firing a rising shot in with the defence
frozen.
Eifion Williams levelled after
the break, keeper John Connolly parrying the striker's initial shot back into
the path of the summer signing.
A quick Ryan Valentine free
kick freed Neil Roberts on 79 minutes, the Wrexham captain side-footing in the
winner.
Wrexham: Anthony Williams, Ryan
Valentine, Shaun Pejic, Richard Hope, Mike Williams, Eifion Williams, Danny
Williams (Conall Murtagh 63), Mark Jones, Chris Llewellyn (Michael Carvill 63),
Neil Roberts, Michael Proctor (Kaid Mohamed 63).
Subs:Michael Jones, Gareth Evans, Matty Done.
Att: 600
BBC
|
|
JULY-26 |
|
Missing
Trundle fuels speculation
|
|
LEE
TRUNDLE’S absence was the story of the night as Swansea City drew 1-1 with
Port Talbot in the last of their pre-season friendlies against Welsh Premiership
opposition.
The
talismanic striker was nowhere to be seen at the Remax Stadium, fuelling rumours
that he will soon complete his transfer to Bristol City.
His presence
up front was definitely missed and the Swans struggled to create many chances
throughout the game.
Roberto
Martinez used the game to give as many players as possible match practice. He
picked a surprising starting XI with Andy Robinson being chosen to partner
trialist Ibarahima Thiam up front.
There was
also a welcome return for Dennis Lawrence in defence with returning captain Gary
Monk at the back.
Kristian
O’Leary continued his return from injury and started in midfield alongside Ian
Craney, recovered from the knock that kept him out of last week’s game against
Llanelli.
icWales
|
|
JULY-25 |
|
TNS
crash out following defeat in Latvia
|
|
The New Saints crashed out of the
Champions League by the narrowest of margins as they, like Llanelli in the
Intertoto Cup, have been eliminated by Away Goals.
The Saints gave themselves late
hope by pulling one goal back through Martyn Naylor to level the scores on
aggregate to 4-4, but this wasn't enough for Ken McKenna's unlucky side.
The Welsh Champions competed
well in the opening half and came close to opening the scoring on twelve minutes
when midfielder Steve Beck fired over the bar. The forceful Cameroonian defender
Jean-Paul Ndeki gave Latvian's Ventspils the lead though after 27 minutes with a
clinical header. Despite the aggregate score of 3-3, this meant that the Saints
had to score as they were going out of the competition on Away Goals. They
almost did get the leveller as defender Duane Courtney came close to equalising
just before Half-Time, when he powered a header towards the top corner, only to
see the home 'keeper Davidov tip it over the bar.
The second goal then came
though as Denis Kachanov scored Ventspils' second on 53 minutes, which meant
that Ken McKenna's side had to score twice in the final 37 minutes to avoid
going out of the Champions League and missing out on European progression for
the first time in their History.
Sub Martin Naylor dramatically
levelled the tie on aggregate from a free kick in injury time to give the Welsh
champions real hope, with the ball bouncing in off the keeper's left hand post,
but time just ran out for the Champions of Wales and they cruelly miss out on a
place in Round Two against Red Bull Salzburg of Austria.
icWales
|
|
JULY-25 |
|
TNS striker
misses champions league tie
|
|
JOHN Toner will miss the game
with FK Ventspils due to injury.
Carl Lamb will replace the injured centre forward in an otherwise unchanged
line-up from the first leg in Newtown, the County Times understands.
Alfie Carter returns from injury to take his place on the bench.
The Champions league first round second leg tie in Latvia kicks off at 4pm UK
time, for the latest stick with the County Times.
TNS defend a 3-2 first leg league, with the Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg
awaiting the winners in the second round.
The expected line up is: Harrison, Courtney, King, Baker, Holmes, Ruscoe,
Beck, Hogan, Wilde, Lamb, Wood. Subs: Leah, Williams, Brabin, Morgan, Naylor,
Carter, Bagnall.
County
Times
|
|
JULY-25 |
|
Ponty
Town turn back the clock
|
|
PONTYPRIDD
Town are to play in the colours last worn by the Pontypridd Dragons more than 80
years ago.
The
Dragons, who disbanded in 1926, wore black-and-white striped shirts which have
been copied by Town for their new Welsh League Division One season.
Kit
sponsors DCS Light Haulage will have their name emblazoned in gold letters on
the new Newcastle United-style shirt.
Town’s
away kit will be yellow with blue trim and the juniors will continue to play in
all-white shirts.
Club
spokesman Ceri James said: “We are delighted that Dean Jones and DCS have
decided to continue with a sponsorship which has been in place for several
years, and we appreciate the fact that the company has shown us tremendous
loyalty through thick and thin.”
This
week, the club embark on an intensive pre-season friendly programme beginning on
Tuesday with a game away to Butetown, followed by fixtures on Thursday at
Llantwit Major (kick-off 7pm) and Saturday at Pentwyn Dynamo (kick-off 3pm).
Next
week, the team travel to play Chepstow on Thursday, August 2 (7pm) before a home
game against Risca on Saturday, August 4. Pre-season is completed with a game
away to Caerau (Ely) on Tuesday, August 7.
After
another excellent turn-out of 24 players at training last week, manager Mal
Camilleri said: “We have already signed a number of players, but it is
essential that we see as many as possible in a game situation.
“I
have been delighted with the way things have gone so far and I am optimistic of
putting together a competitive squad for this season.”
icWales
|
|
JULY-25 |
|
Bosses play
down Euro success |
|
NEW SAINTS
boss Ken McKenna and Rhyl manager John Hulse are still on cloud nine after their
sides chalked up memorable wins in Europe last week – but they are determined
not to get carried off with the job just half done.
Hulse
described Rhyl’s display in beating FC Haka 3-1 as “brilliant,” but warned
that they cannot rest on their laurels despite a two-goal advantage.
“I thought
it was a brilliant performance from the lads. I am delighted for everyone
concerned with the club, but the tie is far from over,” said Hulse.
“However I
believe we can go over there and score more goals.”
“My players
acted like true professionals and I am thrilled they got the reward they
deserved.”
TNS also had
every reason to be pleased with themselves after a 3-2 triumph over FK Ventspils
– and they attracted widespread praise, including a glowing compliment from
Giovanni Trapattoni, the former Juventus and Inter Milan manager, in charge of
Red Bull Salzburg,possibly the next opponents for the Welsh club.
“TNS are
great fighters. It was a good game and they showed tremendous spirit. They have
real quality,” said Trapattoni.
icWales
|
|
JULY-25 |
|
Pennock
is the spy in Swans camp |
|
Tony Pennock
hopes Roberto Martinez won't change tactics at the last minute tonight when they
stand in opposing dugouts at Port Talbot. Swansea City's visit to the RE/MAX
Stadium marks the start of Pennock's reign as the Steelmen's player-manager.
But the former Yeovil stopper has spent little time studying the opposition -
because he doubles up as Swansea's goalkeeping coach.
"I trained with Swansea yesterday so, hopefully, they won't change
formation," joked Pennock
"It's going to be a difficult night for us because it's our first
pre-season game and I'm sure the lads will be breathing heavily.
"But it's a fantastic fixture for Port Talbot. They gave Swansea a really
tough night and ended up winning 2-1 in the FAW Premier Cup match last season.
"Swansea won't want that to happen again, but it's a great opportunity for
some of our lads and, hopefully, we can give a good account of ourselves."
Port Talbot could include a host of ex-Swansea players, including Leigh
De-Vulgt, Chad Bond, Matthew Rees, Lee Surman and summer signing Gareth
Phillips.
The new Gerald McCreesh Stand will be officially opened tonight, while the
fixture cements a new partnership between the clubs which will see Swansea
youngsters joining Pennock's side on loan.
"The link-up is great for both parties," said Port Talbot chairman
Andrew Edwards.
"We've had a great relationship with Swansea over the years, but it has got
to work for us as well as them. It has got to improve our side, but the prospect
is very exciting."
Evening
Post
|
|
JULY-25 |
|
Ridsdale’s
focus turns to other transfer |
|
PETER
Ridsdale today put the Robbie Fowler transfer behind him – and turned to new
priorities.
The Fowler
deal has dominated for several weeks, but now Cardiff City chairman Ridsdale
must work with manager Dave Jones to bring in a goalkeeper and a striker to
complete the squad.
Ridsdale will
also step up negotiations for a new training ground – and that looks
increasingly likely to be at Uwic, Llandaff.
City also
want to find new clubs for a couple of players who look unlikely to figure.
Steve
Thompson, who will be out injured for up to six months after damaging his groin,
and Kevin Cooper are on the transfer list, while Irishman Jason Byrne could also
be available.
Jones is keen
to add a third goalkeeper to his squad and he will be in for the start of the
Championship season against Stoke on August 11, while Cardiff may play a more
patient game on the striker.
Now they have
Fowler, City have until the end of August before the transfer window closes.
Jones is keen
on Rowan Vine at Birmingham City, but may prefer a player more in the style of
Derby County target man Steve Howard.
icWales
|
|
JULY-25 |
|
Spurs usher in
new era |
|
HOLYHEAD Hotspur prepare to play
a Wolverhampton XI at their new stadium on Saturday.
It will be a case of back to the future for The Championship club's Academy
Director Chris Evans as he and former Wales team manager Mike Smith - the
first ever Anglesey council's football development officer - officially open
the stadium.
"It will be good to welcome Chris and Mike who were both here when it was
first opened in October 1988," said Spurs spokesperson Gareth Davies who
has had two badges commissioned to mark the occasion, one to commemorate the
match and the other the opening of the new facility.
The Huws Gray Cymru Alliance club have strengthened their talented squad with
the capture of former Bangor City and Glantraeth defender Warren Gibbs, while
the availability once again of Darren Garmey and long time injury-hit James
Parry will be like an additional two extra players after missing most of last
season.
Meanwhile, inspirational skipper Jon Parry is almost ready to begin serious
training following last season's broken ankle.
"The squad are already looking lively and manager Campbell Harrison has
ensured that they are ready | | |